June 09
ISSUE 18
Editorial
Welcome to the June/July edition of our newsletter. We hope you have been
enjoying the recent fine weather, let’s hope the forecast for a “barbecue sum-
mer” comes true.
Highlights of the newsletter include news of the Holistic Housing for People
with Disabilities event that is being held on the 26th June in Inverurie. Early
indications show that this is going to be a well attended event so don’t delay in
booking your place if you wish to take part.
Holistic healing sessions are on offer as well as the counselling sessions avail-
able here at ADA - all free to disabled people.
As you will see within, our Disability Education Service has been granted fund-
ing for another year from the Education Department and we are delighted
about this.
Three DVD’s are now available of the Respect Event at Mintlaw Academy which
Yvonne and Brian were involved in, which raised awareness in the young people
about respecting people no matter what their age, gender, religious belief,
sexual orientation or disability. If you look very closely you can see Yvonne
dodging the cameras in the background, but Brian is more visible! If anyone
wishes to view them, please let us know.
For those of you who may have forgotten to renew your annual membership or
wish to start subscribing to ADA, the membership form is attached at the end
of this newsletter.
Equal Space ISSUE 18 Page 2
Board Report June 2009
We do have updates on all the issues we mentioned in the last newsletter. Our
Council funding was less than expected and requested, although we have asked
that monies that were donated to us, or that we raised directly ourselves
should not be included in our financial assessment. We still await a response to
this request. Otherwise, the Board is taking time to decide the steps neces-
sary to ensure that we have a sustainably funded organisation in place before
the start of the next financial year, i.e., one that is not dependent on reserves
to survive, given that reserves will eventually run out.
The best piece of news is that funding will be in place to continue the Educa-
tion Service for at least another year. This has been a very well received piece
of work and we must thank all those who have been involved for making it such
a success. Not only that, but we will be now also be working with the pupils of
Fraserburgh Academy to develop an awareness pilot for academy age children.
The application for the personalisation project was delivered just in time,
thanks to the efforts of staff, volunteers and our partners at Dundee Univer-
sity and Grampian Opportunities. We believe that this is a necessary piece of
work but, as only 5% of applications will be successful, we have decided not to
hold our breath! We are, however, investigating a couple of other funding pos-
sibilities for this project.
As before, we will keep you posted of any further developments.
Your Just Rewards
Have you experienced the “joy of giving”? Perhaps it was after a charitable
donation or lending a helping hand. Scientists have found out that we profit
emotionally, if not financially when we decide to donate. The midbrain, a region
associated with primal desires such as food and sex, shows heightened activity
when donating. The pay-off is that your brain will seek the pleasurable activity
again. With that in mind, don’t forget to use Easyfundraising for your online
purchases and nominate Aberdeenshire Disability Action as your charity of
choice. To date we have raised £166.42 - every little helps!
Equal Space ISSUE 18 Page 3
Aberdeenshire Disability Action
Invites you to our Disability Forum on
Holistic Housing
For People with Disabilities
A community forum for discussion of the issues
and complexities surrounding housing for people
affected by disability.
Friday 26th June 2009
Barn and Bushel
Thainstone Centre, Inverurie
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Guest Speakers from:
Momentum Scotland Telecare
Inclusion Scotland Tenants First
Aberdeenshire Council Direct Payments
Disabled Persons Housing Service
A buffet soup & sandwich lunch will be provided. Let us know if you are
coming, for catering purposes. Please notify us of any special dietary re-
quirements.
Please tell us in advance if a hearing loop system is required.
Aberdeenshire Disability Action
Unit 4, Blackhall Industrial Estate
Inverurie AB51 4FS
Phone 01467 629909
www.aberdeenshiredisabilityaction.org
Equal Space ISSUE 18 Page 4
Help for Disabled Homeowners
A nationwide scheme which helps disabled people carry out essential home
adaptions has been enhanced. Changes arising from the implementation of the
Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 will trigger a simpler and fairer system of finan-
cial help.
For people assessed as needing essential adaptions, local authorities must give
a grant of 80% of the cost, or 100% for people on the lowest incomes. There
are no longer any arbitrary limits on the amount of grant that can be provided.
Under the previous system, grant was only given towards the first £20,000 of
works to provide bathroom and toilet facilities for a disabled person, and
there was a means test to assess entitlement beyond the 50% minimum.
Disabled home owners having difficulty getting into or around their home
should contact their local council’s social work department to arrange an as-
sessment of their needs.
The duty to give grants applies to a wide range of adaptions, including:
Replacing the bath with a walk in shower
Constructing a ramp to help someone get into their home
Fitting lower work surfaces to make the kitchen easier to use
Councils do not have to give a grant for house extensions (for example to pro-
vide a ground floor bedroom) but can do this if resources allow. They must
provide some form of assistance.
The changes on help with adaptions are part of a wider suite of changes being
introduced as part of the implementation of parts of the Housing
(Scotland)Act 2006. The changes give local authorities modernised powers to
tackle poor private sector housing and to provide non-financial and/ financial
assistance to owners.
Equal Space ISSUE 18 Page 5
Free “One to One” Holistic Healing Sessions
The Kinord Spiritual Centre (Scottish Charity Number SC03666) are offering
free Holistic Healing sessions in the comfort of your own home, or at Aber-
deenshire Disability Action’s premises if you prefer.
Healing sessions only take 10 minutes of your time.
Holistic Healing is a Complementary Therapy which treats the person as a
whole. The Healer acts as a channel for the healing energies which are passed
to the recipient and act as a trigger for self healing. This enables the body to
regain its balance and harmony. Holistic Healing treats the source of the
problem rather than the symptoms. It is believed that a great many of the
outward symptoms of ill health are merely a reflection of inner disharmony
within us. This can arise through stress, anxiety, anger etc.
All healers are experienced, U.K. Registered Spiritual Healers who practice
four methods of healing. These are Contact Healing, Near to the Body Heal-
ing, Distant Healing and Absent Healing.
Contact Healing is spiritual healing by the laying on of hands upon the body.
Near to the Body Healing is spiritual healing involving the placing of hands at
a distance of approximately three inches from the body.
Distant Healing is healing sent by the power of thought to a person physically
present but who is not receiving Contact Healing or Near to the Body Healing.
Absent Healing is healing sent by the power of thought and prayer to a person
not physically present.
If interested, please contact FREDA on 01339 881615 for more info.
Eq ISSUE 18 Page 6
Take part in BBC Game Show?
Brighter Pictures is looking for lively PAIRS of contestants to audition
for a chance to be on…
A BRAND NEW, BBC GAME SHOW!
Can you name a European capital city?
Can you name a James Bond movie?
Can you name a President of the USA?
If so, you could be in with a chance of winning thousands
of pounds!?
Could you trust your friend, your Mum, your boyfriend or your work col-
league under pressure?
We would like to hear from pairs who think they can take up the chal-
lenge!
JUNE 2009 auditions are about to get underway for filming in JULY, so
please apply ASAP!
If you want the opportunity to audition, please email
gameshow@endemoluk.com
for an application form TODAY
or send a request to: Amy Hargreaves, Endemol UK, Shepherds Building Central, Charecroft Way,
London, W14 0EE (stating a return address)
We will use your information for the purposes of selecting contestants for the programme.
Closing Date: 31st July 2009.
All applicants must be 18+ and be resident in the UK.
Further terms and conditions apply.
Equal Space Page 7
ISSUE 18
Free Accessible Britain Book
Accessible Britain book worth £6.99, free to Blue Badge holders.
The popular new Rough Guide to Accessible Britain (Edition 2) is out now. It’s
not available in the shops, so to make the most of the spring and the longer,
lighter days, you can order your copy now. The 2009 Guide contains:
 Over 175 inspiring ideas for great days out across the UK.
 Wide range of reviews all by disabled visitors.
 Something for everyone from parks and museums to scenic journeys and
more.
 Detailed information on accessibility.
If you are a disabled Blue Badge holder just go to www.accessibleguide.co.uk,
fill in the form, change the drop down menu list asking whether you have a blue
badge to “yes” and then pick which council issued it.
You can order now online or call 0800 953 7070 – lines are open 8am to 8pm
daily.
For Sale
Cordoba Mobile Scooter
Hard top, window wipers
Offers.
Tel. Mr James
01888 568269
Equal Space Page 8
ISSUE 18
Golf Competitions June 2009
The Scottish Disability Golf Partnership was formed with the assistance of
Scottish Disability Sport in 2006 and organises golf and golf tuition for
anyone in Scotland with a disability, serious health issue or mobility
problem.
They have two to three training sessions each year where beginners to the
sport and established players are given free training by PGA Professionals.
They also organise numerous golf events and competitions for both nine and
eighteen hole players for only a nominal entry fee.
The SDGP and its supporters have received an invitation to play golf at :
St Michaels Golf Club, Leuchars Wednesday 3rd June at 12.00 hrs.
Scotscraig Golf Club, Tayport Friday 19th June at 14.00 hrs.
To play at one or both of these golf courses, an entry form has to be com-
pleted which is available, on request, from us at ADA. Entry, covering golf and
catering, is £20 per person, per match or only £30 if you enter both ! Coaches
and supporters can play for the same entry fee, and places will be allocated on
a first-come, first –served basis. Entries will not be accepted after one week
prior to each event.
Anyone interested in learning or playing golf, should contact;
sdgp@btinternet.com
Radar Key
The National Key Scheme gives access to disabled people to around 7,000
locked public toilets around the country. The key can be bought from their
website www.radar-shop.org.uk for £3.50 or from www.yourableshop.co.uk for
£1.97. Radar also provide a guide to all accessible toilets in the national key
scheme, available for £12.95.
ISSUE 18 Page 9
Equal Space
Higher Rate DLA
People with severe sight loss are to get higher rate Disability Living Allowance
and will be able to claim a higher rate of benefit worth an extra £29 a week,
thanks to a sustained campaign by RNIB. The charity said the move would
make ‘a huge difference to people’s lives’ when it takes effect from April 2011.
DLA is intended to help people with a range of disabilities. But until now claim-
ants with severe sight loss were not eligible for the higher mobility component
of DLA, worth £46.75 per week. They could only claim the lower rate of
£17.75.
RNIB has claimed this discriminated against blind people, insisting that sight
loss is just as formidable a barrier to freedom of movement.
New, Free Housing Advice Service
Looking for information and
advice about housing
in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire?
Come along to the
MONTHLY HOUSING SURGERY
First Tuesday of every month
11am — 2pm in the Quiet Cup,
Central Library, Aberdeen
For further information contact Alison
Tel. 07982 823594
Interpreters & Translators arranged
Housing providers working in partnership
Equal Space ISSUE 18 Page 10
Blue Badge Sat Nav
BBNav is the first dedicated Blue Badge sat-nav solution specifically designed
to support disabled drivers and those caring for the disabled, such as their
families or carers.
BBNav includes all of the features found on a standard sat-nav but has been
enhanced to provide detailed information to support Blue Badge holders includ-
ing:
On-street disabled parking bays.
Disabled accessible car parks.
Local council Blue Badge parking concessions.
Points of interest to support people with disabilities including:
Radar toilets
Accessible accommodation
Accessible beaches
Shopmobility centres
It is available to purchase from these suppliers :
Gowrings Mobility :0845 608 8050 http://www.gowringsmobility.co.uk
GPSA : 01382 847930 http://www.gpsaffiliate.co.uk
Maplin: 01224 789567 http://www.maplin.co.uk
The Pie Guide: 0844 847 0875 http://shop.thepieguide.com
Prices between £195—£199.
Equal Space ISSUE 18 Page 11
Aberdeenshire’s Woodland Walks
Aberdeenshire Disability Sport in partnership with Forestry Commission Scot-
land can offer many walks with all ability trails providing stunning views in Ab-
erdeenshire. Walks include Bennachie Visitor Centre, Cambus O'May, Glen
Tanar, Bellwood and Foggieton Wood.
Bennachie: many walks on offer including an all abilities trail. All walks provide
stunning views. Location: Chapel Of Garioch, AB51 5HX. Good parking facilities
including parking bays for people with disabilities. Toilets available at Visitor
Centre including toilets for people with disabilities.
Cambus O’May: Four way-marked trails including an all abilities trail. Offering
fantastic views of Deeside including Lochnagar, when you walk through this
beautiful Highland pinewood. Location: Between Ballater and Aboyne, AB35
5SD.Good parking facilities including parking bays for people with disabilities.
No toilet facilities on site.
Glen Tanar: Mixed woodland with varying trails. Good all abilities 550m long
Juniper trail. Access to visitor centre over large hump backed bridge which
may cause access problems.
Location: From Aboyne, head South over River Dee and turn right onto B976.
After approx 1.3miles turn left into Glen Tanar. Good parking facilities. Toilet
facilities available at visitor centre.
Bellwood: Large forest mainly of Scots Pine. Good smooth path for all abilities.
Location: Enter via Hospital Road, Aboyne. Small parking facilities. No toilet
facilities, public toilets available in Aboyne.
Foggieton Wood: Foggieton Wood is an interesting mixture of broadleaves
and conifer trees. Every trail is way-marked including a short blue all abilities
trail. Location: Driving on the A944 turn south along unclassified road at the
Kingswells roundabout, turn right at T-junction, then first left. Good car park-
ing facilities. No toilet facilities on site.
To download a leaflet with further details go to:
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/recreation/disabilitysport/
WoodlandWalks170409.pdf
Equal Space ISSUE 18 Page 12
ABERDEENSHIRE DISABILITY ACTION
Unit 4 Blackhall Indust.Est., Inverurie AB51 4FS
Telephone : 01467 629909 Fax : 01467 629447
Opening hours Monday – Friday 10.00 – 3.00
The answering machine will take your message at other times.
STAFF
Yvonne Macdonald Executive Officer
E-mail: ymacdonald@tiscali.co.uk
Yvonne Macdonald Cancer Support
E-mail: ymacdonald@tiscali.co.uk
Christine Kerr Administrator
E-mail: christinemkerr@tiscali.co.uk
Stephen Leeman Development Worker
Disability Information Service/Forums
E-mail: stephenleeman@tiscali.co.uk
Brian McNally Project Co-ordinator
Disability Education Service
E-mail: brianmcnally@tiscali.co.uk
Please note that ADA does not necessarily endorse or subscribe to any of the items
included or opinions expressed in the newsletter.
This publication available in alternative format on request.
Aberdeenshire Disability Action, Unit 4 Blackhall Industrial Estate, Inverurie AB51 4FS
Charity No. SCO21996. Company No. 182760. Registered Office: Amicable House,252 Union Street,
Aberdeen AB10 1TN. www.aberdeenshiredisabilityaction.org
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
UP TO 31 MARCH 2010
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member is entitled to receive a copy of our annual report and bi-monthly newsletter. Noti-
fication concerning forthcoming events will be circulated. Information and matters of in-
terest or concern in the field of disability are also circulated to members.
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